Department amalgamation

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The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia is now part of the new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

A/Director General Ralph Addis and A/Deputy Director General Mark Sweetingham speak to Agriculture and Food staff about the amalgamation

This new department brings agriculture and food together with the departments of Fisheries and Regional Development and the staff of nine Regional Development Commissions to provide a strong and unified service for Western Australia’s vital primary industries and regions.

Leading the department is acting director general Ralph Addis, former director general of Regional Development. Agriculture and food will be served by deputy director general Mark Sweetingham to ensure the vision for agriculture stays at the forefront of this new agency.

“The formation of the combined Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is another chapter in the long, proud 123-year history of Western Australia’s agriculture department.

“This broader department will enable us to tap into additional skills and resources and pursue significant activities and innovation that advances the capability and prosperity of the sector.

“I encourage our stakeholders to join with us in creating a sophisticated, modern department that will enable the State’s agriculture and food sector to be internationally competitive for generations to come.” – Mark Sweetingham